Al-Anbiya (ٱلْأَنْبِيَاء)

Surah Al-Anbiya was revealed in Makkah before the period of Hijirah and during the early period of Islam. It is the 21st Surah in the Quran, consisting of 112 verses (ayaats) and divided into 7 Rukus. The Surah can be found in 17th Juz after Surah Ta-Ha. Surah Anbiya was revealed to comfort the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions as they faced hostile behavior from the people of Makkah. 

It served as a source of reassurance for the Muslims that Allah is with them and rejects the ones who trouble the Prophet and refrain from believing in the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The Surah also states severe punishments for the Mushriks and emphasizes following the Quran for guidance. As Surah Ta-Ha recounts the story of Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), in the next Surah that is Surah Al-Anbiya, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) recounts the stories of various Prophets including Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Moosa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Dawood (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and Isa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). 

٢١ - ٱلْأَنْبِيَاء

21 - Al-Anbiya

اِقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُہُمْ وَہُمْ فِيْ غَفْلَۃٍ مُّعْرِضُوْنَ۝۱ۚ
Iqtaraba lilnnasi hisabuhum wahum fee ghaflatin muAAridoona

English

Ahmed Ali

NEAR HAS COME the reckoning for men, but they turn away in remissness.

1

جزء

١٧

مَا يَاْتِيْہِمْ مِّنْ ذِكْرٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّہِمْ مُّحْدَثٍ اِلَّا اسْتَـمَعُوْہُ وَہُمْ يَلْعَبُوْنَ۝۲ۙ
Ma yateehim min thikrin min rabbihim muhdathin illa istamaAAoohu wahum yalAAaboona

English

Ahmed Ali

Never does a new reminder come to them from their Lord but they listen to it with dalliance.

2

لَاہِيَۃً قُلُوْبُہُمْ۝۰ۭ وَاَسَرُّوا النَّجْوَي۝۰ۤۖ الَّذِيْنَ ظَلَمُوْا۝۰ۤۖ ہَلْ ھٰذَاۗ اِلَّا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ۝۰ۚ اَفَتَاْتُوْنَ السِّحْرَ وَاَنْتُمْ تُبْصِرُوْنَ۝۳
Lahiyatan quloobuhum waasarroo alnnajwa allatheena thalamoo hal hatha illa basharun mithlukum afatatoona alssihra waantum tubsiroona

English

Ahmed Ali

Their minds are lost in frivolous pastimes; and the evil-doers discuss secretly: "Is he not but only a man like you? Then why are you taken in by magic seeingly?"

3

قٰلَ رَبِّيْ يَعْلَمُ الْقَوْلَ فِي السَّمَاۗءِ وَالْاَرْضِ۝۰ۡوَہُوَالسَّمِيْعُ الْعَلِيْمُ۝۴
Qala rabbee yaAAlamu alqawla fee alssamai waalardi wahuwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu

English

Ahmed Ali

He said: "My Lord knows whatever is spoken in the heavens and the earth. He hears all and knows everything."

4

بَلْ قَالُـوْۗا اَضْغَاثُ اَحْلَامٍؚبَلِ افْتَرٰىہُ بَلْ ہُوَشَاعِرٌ۝۰ۚۖ فَلْيَاْتِنَا بِاٰيَۃٍ كَـمَاۗ اُرْسِلَ الْاَوَّلُوْنَ۝۵
Bal qaloo adghathu ahlamin bali iftarahu bal huwa shaAAirun falyatina biayatin kama orsila alawwaloona

English

Ahmed Ali

Yet they say: "These are only confused dreams," or rather: "He has invented them;" or: "He is only a poet. Let him therefore bring a miracle to us as the earlier (apostles) were sent with."

5

مَاۗ اٰمَنَتْ قَبْلَہُمْ مِّنْ قَرْيَۃٍ اَہْلَكْنٰہَا۝۰ۚ اَفَہُمْ يُؤْمِنُوْنَ۝۶
Ma amanat qablahum min qaryatin ahlaknaha afahum yuminoona

English

Ahmed Ali

Not one habitation that We destroyed before them had believed. So how can they believe?

6

وَمَاۗ اَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ اِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوْحِيْۗ اِلَيْہِمْ فَسْــَٔـلُوْۗا اَہْلَ الذِّكْرِ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُوْنَ۝۷
Wama arsalna qablaka illa rijalan noohee ilayhim faisaloo ahla alththikri in kuntum la taAAlamoona

English

Ahmed Ali

Never did We send a message before you but through a man, whom We inspired. If you do not know, then ask the keepers of the oracles of God.

7

وَمَا جَعَلْنٰہُمْ جَسَدًا لَّا يَاْكُلُوْنَ الطَّعَامَ وَمَا كَانُوْا خٰلِدِيْنَ۝۸
Wama jaAAalnahum jasadan la yakuloona alttaAAama wama kanoo khalideena

English

Ahmed Ali

We did not make their bodies immune to hunger, nor were they immortal.

8

ثُمَّ صَدَقْنٰہُمُ الْوَعْدَ فَاَنْجَيْنٰہُمْ وَمَنْ نَّشَاۗءُ وَاَہْلَكْنَا الْمُسْرِفِيْنَ۝۹
Thumma sadaqnahumu alwaAAda faanjaynahum waman nashao waahlakna almusrifeena

English

Ahmed Ali

Then We made Our promise good to them and delivered whomsoever We pleased, and destroyed the transgressors.

9

لَقَدْ اَنْزَلْنَاۗ اِلَيْكُمْ كِتٰبًا فِيْہِ ذِكْرُكُمْ۝۰ۭ اَفَلَا تَعْقِلُوْنَ۝۱۰ۧ
Laqad anzalna ilaykum kitaban feehi thikrukum afala taAAqiloona

English

Ahmed Ali

We have sent down to you a Book which has a reminder for you. Do you not understand?

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-Anbiya was revealed during the last phase of the Prophet Muhammad's life in Mecca, most probably around 2 years before he migrated to Medina. The subject, theme, and purpose of its revelation resemble those of the Meccan Surahs, which were revealed during the same period. This period is marked by severe opposition by the disbelievers, mainly the notables of the Quraysh tribe. They were denying and rejecting the Prophethood with the plea that he (the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ) was just a human like them and that he did not possess any specific miracle. Apart from that, they also used to ridicule him and make fun of him. Above that, they were in complete denial mode about the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, (the concept of Tawheed) and the life after death. At the same time, they had started the severe persecution of newly converted Muslims. Poor and weak Muslims were their specific target.

With that background, most of the Meccan Surahs, including Surah Al-Anbiya, were revealed to address the major issues, such as Tawheed, life after death, the reality of Prophethood, and the Quran being Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ words. In that context, the efforts and struggles of previous Prophets, such as Prophets Nuh, Musa, Ibrahim, Lut, Younus, Dawood, and Suleman عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ are briefly mentioned, establishing that they faced similar denial and rejection from their nations but ultimately the truth prevailed upon falsehood, and that too at the right time, with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. It is also made clear to the disbelievers that the Message of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ is nothing new; rather, a continuation of the same religion as was preached by the previous Prophets.

So, this Surah was revealed to strengthen the Prophet and his followers to remain steadfast in their faith. Side by side, the disbelievers were also given yet another stern warning about their arrogant behavior. They were warned of the consequences that await them if they continue their denial and rejection of the Prophethood and Tawheed.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-Anbiya is a Makki Surah. It was revealed during the last phase of the Prophet’s stay in Mecca, around two years before his migration to Medina.

Place in the Quran

It is the 21st Surah of the Quran, placed in Juzz (Para) 17. It appears after Surah Ta’ha and before Surah Al-Hajj. According to the order of revelation, it falls at number 73, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 21.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-Anbiya has 112 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Anbiya is grouped into 7 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Anbiya

Surah Al-Anbiya holds both spiritual and historical significance, as it was revealed at a crucial stage of the Prophetic Mission of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. It was a time when the persecutions and opposition by Quraysh were at their peak, and the migration of the Prophet and his followers from Mecca was nearing. At this stage, it was vital for them to get a word of encouragement from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which this Surah provided effectively. The great significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:

  1. Strengthening Faith in Newly Converted Muslims - This Surah played a pivotal role in strengthening the faith of the Muslims, who were at that stage facing extreme hardship in Mecca. It was also a source of comfort for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. In that difficult time, this surah effectively served as a rich source of encouragement, patience, and reassurance. It provided them comfort by referring to the life stories of previous Prophets and their people, who faced similar difficulties but ultimately emerged from them with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  2. Establishing Finality of The Prophethood – This surah affirmed the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, as a continuation of the Prophetic missions of the previous Prophets, such as Prophets Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Lut, Younus, Dawood, and Suleman عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ. But more importantly, it was confirmed through this Surah that the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ Prophethood is the last in this chain and that his role was to complete the Divine Message.
  3. Reaffirmation of Tawheed – This Surah reaffirms the concept of Oneness of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ as a universal Divine Message for the entire humankind. It affirms that all previous nations and future generations are bound to follow the same belief and submit only to One Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  4. Responsibility of Mankind – It is mentioned explicitly in this Surah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has not Created this universe just for fun and play; instead, it was Created with a Purpose. So, humankind is made responsible to reflect on the Creation and Purpose of this world and life therein. And more importantly, they will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection.
  5. Allah’s Mercy Prevails – While issuing a stern warning to the disbelievers, this surah simultaneously reminds us of how Allah's Mercy prevailed when the Prophet Younus عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ sincerely repented and submitted. Hence, it is a source of hope for mankind that Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَى Mercy is always available for those who sincerely repent for their sins.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Anbiya (الْأَنْبِيَاء)

As we can see the name of the Surah is Al-Anbiya, so the main subject matter and theme of the Surah is about the life of different Prophets sent down by Allah upon His people for guidance. Surah Al-Anbiya talks about their Prophethood journey and the challenges they faced in the path of Allah. The Surah also talks about believing in the Oneness of Allah, the Day of Judgment, worldly life, the Quran being the guiding source, warning for the non-believers, and reassurance and comfort for the believers. 

The Surah narrates the stories of various Prophets and the challenges they faced while spreading the words of Allah. Surah Al-Anbiya talks about the confrontation of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) with his father and the people about idol worshipping. It narrates the story of Lut (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the destruction of its people due to their sins and also states the efforts of Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) for his people and about the flood that destroyed everything except the Noah ark and everything inside it. 

Surah Al-Anbiya states the wisdom and ruling power of Suleyman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Prophethood period of Isa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The patience of Ayub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the story of Yunus (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Zakariya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and the miraculous birth of Yahya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are all part of this Surah. 

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) also gives great tidings to those who believe in Allah, the Prophet, and the Day of Judgment and warns of the dire consequences to those who stand against it. The Surah also emphasizes the reality of the Day of Judgment and how everyone will be held accountable for their own deeds and will be given punishment or rewards based on it. 

Virtues and Benefits Surah Al-Anbiya (الْأَنْبِيَاء)

In a Hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Mas’ud, Rasool Allah (ﷺ) said:

“The Surahs of Bani Israel, Al-Kahaf, Mariyam, Ta-Ha, and Al-Anbiya are from the very old Surahs which I learnt by heart, and they are my first property.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 4739, Book 65) 

Surah Al-Anbiya was close to the heart of the Prophet (ﷺ) as it brings comfort and glad tidings for those who obey Allah and follow the right path. It also served as a source of spiritual purification, encouraging the believers to perform good deeds and avoid the bad ones. Surah Al-Anbiya protects the believers against shirk, clearing punishments for those who believe in other gods except Allah and stand against the religion sent down by Allah for worldly things. 

Surah Al-Anbiya recounts the lives of many Prophets, providing us with knowledge of their lives and stories, helping us connect with our religion on a deeper level. It also comforted Rasool Allah (ﷺ) as he learned how other Prophets also went through some extreme challenges, but with their strong will and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), they all were successful in their mission.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-Anbiya by Renowned Qaris

For those who have difficulty reading the Quran correctly according to Tajweed, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic reciter (Qari) might be helpful. Correct recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Anbiya, is critically important, as even a small mistake in pronouncing a Quranic word may entirely lead to a different meaning. Hence, incorrect pronunciation of the Quranic words is not acceptable in Islam. Likewise, the correct pronunciation is difficult for a non-Arabic-speaking person. Moreover, sometimes you may prefer to listen to the Quran rather than read it yourself.

To facilitate you, we at MuslimandQuran have uploaded recitations of the Quran by the renowned reciters (Qaris). You can select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile app to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Anbiya.

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Surah Al-Anbiya PDF

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FAQs:

Al-Anbiya translates to "the Prophets". In the context of Surah Al-Anbiya, it is the name given to this Surah as it contains brief stories of different Prophets, such as Prophets Nuh, Musa, Ibrahim, Lut, Zul Kifal, Younus, and Dawood عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ. 

Surah Al-Anbiya comprises 112 verses.

There is no specific Hadith about Surah Al-Anbiya.  

Yes, you can listen to it online, as all the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Anbiya, are available on the Muslim and Quran mobile application.

The historical context of Surah Al-Anbiya is almost the same as that of other Meccan Surahs, revealed during the last phase of the Prophet’s life in Mecca. It was revealed around 2 to 3 years before the Hijrat-e-Medina. By that time, the persecution and opposition by the disbelievers of Mecca had reached its peak. Moreover, the disbelievers were still in a state of denial and rejection. Above that, they continued mocking and ridiculing the Prophet and his followers. They were consistently demanding miracles as proof of the Prophethood. In this backdrop, Surah Al-Anbiya was sent down to provide strength and patience to the Prophet and his followers. For this purpose, life stories and struggles of the previous Prophets are narrated in this Surah, emphasizing that every Prophet faced similar opposition, but ultimately, truth prevailed. It is also reaffirmed in this Surah that all the previous Prophets preached the same religion and that the Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ mission was in fact the continuation and completion of the same Divine Message. Moreover, the disbelievers were also given a strict warning about the consequences of their denial and rejection of the Divine Message. At the same time, by giving the example of the Prophet Younus عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, it is established that Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Mercy always prevails, if a person sincerely repents for his sins.